Make swimming safe, healthy

State health officials are raising awareness about ways to ensure healthy, safe swimming to prevent recreational water illness and injury. Drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children age 1 to 4. Nationwide, two children under age 14 die from drowning each day.

“To make sure swimming is healthy and safe, it’s critical to take precautions to prevent drowning, and to prevent the spread of germs that cause illness,” said Dr. Henry Anderson, Wisconsin health officer. He advised:

• Don't swim when you have diarrhea. This can spread germs in the water and make others sick.

• Don't swallow pool or lake water. Avoid getting the water in your mouth.

• Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.

• Make sure children who are not toilet-trained wear swim diapers.

• Make sure everyone in your family knows how to swim.

• Ensure that older children and adults know CPR.

• Use life jackets that fit younger or weaker swimmers.

• Provide continuous, attentive supervision close to the swimmers, even if there is a lifeguard.

• Avoid alcohol and drugs when swimming or watching swimmers.

• Check the depth of water before diving to prevent neck/head injuries.

Tags: lifestyle, news, health, wisconsin